A gathering was held in Hanoi on July 25 to honour 500 seriously injured war veterans across the nation to mark the 72nd War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day (July 27).

Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan sent flowers to the event to honour the veterans.

Delegates sharing their stories at the event

The gathering was attended by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, head of the Party Central Committee’s Mass Mobilisation Commission Truong Thi Mai, head of the Party Central Committee’s Information and Education Commission Vo Van Thuong, along with other senior officials.

The 500 veterans at the event represented 1.2 million war invalids, including more than 12,000 with serious injuries, across Vietnam. They lost at least 81 percent of their work capability due to war injuries, and most of them are now in their 70s or 80s.

All of the invalids have made exceptional efforts to overcome difficulties to support their families and continue contributing to society, becoming bright examples in their communities.

At present, there are more than 9.2 million people receiving preferential treatment under support policies for revolutionary contributors. They include families of nearly 1.2 million martyrs, more than 138,000 Vietnamese Heroic Mother title holders, some 2 million war invalids and sick veterans, and hundreds of thousands of people who were imprisoned by enemies or affected by toxic chemicals.

Wounded soldiers receiving gifts

Each year, more than 32 trillion VND (1.37 billion USD) from the State budget is spent on policies for revolutionary contributors. Additionally, activities to show gratitude to the contributors have also been carried out, helping improve their material and spiritual lives.